17 year old hoping to become a sports journalist or broadcaster in the future...

March 27, 2011

2011 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

April is when the NFL annually holds the draft in New York. So now is the time to make your mock

drafts for this coming up draft. The draft is one of the top things I look forward to each year in all of sports.

Due to the NFL lockout right now, veteran players are telling draft prospects to skip the draft. But for now, we must assume there will be a draft full of all players who entered. And if there is, this is how I see it playing out:

Round 1

1. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Cam Newton

While I feel that Jimmy Clausen still should be the starter and have more time to prove himself in Carolina, new coach Ron Rivera does not. The whole Panther fan base and organization does not either. So now that they are going to take a QB it seems, it comes down to Newton or Blaine Gabbert. I feel that Newton is a better QB and athlete then Gabbert so I have Carolina taking Newton #1 overall. I still feel they should be taking a WR in AJ Green to help Clausen. If Clausen does not work out, then taking a QB such as Andrew Luck or Matt Barkley in the 2012 draft, but it appears that won't be happening and that is why I think that Cam Newton will be the top player selected in the draft. I could see Newton either being a star in this league or the next JaMarcus Russell. Either one would not surprise me. Still, he's a good pick for now.

2. Denver Broncos - Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Marcell Dareus

The Broncos had an NFL worst 23 sacks all of last season. Just 23. While yes Elvis Dumervil was injured, they still need more help. A lot of help at that. It comes down to Nick Fairley out of Auburn or Marcell Dareus of Alabama. The pick goes to Dareus. Both are spectacular players, but Dareus has outperformed Fairley thus far. Fairley does have the one-up on Dareus as he has had much more time as a starter. Dareus has had just one season. Regardless, I think the Broncos take Dareus, and will be a great pick for years to come.

3. Buffalo Bills - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

While Ryan Fitzpatrick has not been bad, the Bills need a QB desperately. Gabbert and Newton are the top two prospects, and I think Bills fans will be happy with Gabbert. After a very impressive pro day at Missouri, Gabbert's stock has risen and he is high on draft boards. Number one on some. But I still say he goes number three and Bills fans can start to look towards the future.

4. Cincinnati Bengals - A.J Green, WR, Georgia

Carson Palmer will not be in a Bengals' uniform next season. Neither will Cedric Benson, Chad Johnson (formally Ochocinco), or Terrell Owens. That means no WR for a new QB to throw too. This draft is loaded with QB talent in later rounds,so Cincinnati will draft a quarterback in a later round. Most likely Christian Ponder out of Florida State. I have heard that the Bengals really like him. However, this is a weak draft at wide receiver. So they should take a WR as soon as possible. With pick number five, they can get the best receiver in this draft, AJ Green. He makes the most sense here. And then Ponder can have someone to throw to.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Von Miller, OLB, Texas A &M

Von Miller

The Cardinals need help on defense. Especially at linebacker. Joey Porter will not be back next season, so this pick is a great one for Arizona. Miller can come in right away and make a big difference. I think Miller will be a special player in the NFL

6. Cleveland Browns - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn People had Fairley going number one to the Panthers when the mock drafts first started. Scense then, he has fallen off many peoples boards, including mine. But I still think he will be a great player in this league. The Browns lost Shaun Rodgers and Fairley will fill that gap perfectly. Great pick here for Cleveland, and Mike Holmgren has this team headed in the right direction.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU San Francisco will really just look to take the best player available here, and who ever it is will be a great player in this league. Especially Peterson. Peterson will help this aging secondary greatly and will give the 49ers a long term solution when Nate Clements is gone. However, keep an eye on them to take a DE.

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8. Tennessee Titans - Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

The Titans need to boost their pass rush and Bowers is the best player available here. When Derrick Morgan is back next year, along with Bowers will form a dangerous, and young pass rush for opposing teams. The Titans also could look to take J.J Watt here too, but I think Bowers is a better player. The only reason Watt should be taken over Bowers is becasue of the knee problems Bowers has had.

9. Dallas Cowboys - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Cowboys desperately needed help in the secondary all of last season. Amukamara is arguably the best corner in this draft and would help the Cowboys greatly. A player that can be the Cowboys' top secondary player for years falls right into their laps at pick #9. Unless Patrick Peterson falls to #9, the Cowboys would be foolish to pass on Amukamara.

10. Washington Redskins - J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

The Redskins had only one player record more then 2.5 sacks last season. Pass rush is a huge priorty to upgrade here for Washington. J.J Watt is a great person for that role. The Redskins would love to have a QB here, but after the first two QB's in the first round are taken, Watt is who they should select.

11. Houston Texans - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

Robert Quinn

Mario Williams has been good, but not as good as we thought. He has been better then Vince Young, Reggie Bush, and Matt Lienart at least. But they still need more help. Behind Bowers, I think Quinn is the best DE in this draft. But Watt fits the Titans style more so he gets drafted higher. All three will be good, and Quinn will help the Texans and boost this defense.

12. Minnesota Vikings - Tyron Smith, OT, USC

The Vikings need help at lots of positions. I think they will address the offensive line in round one and take a solid tackle in Tyron Smith. Smith can help this line with immediate impact. He is big and athletic and can help protect who ever is under center for the Vikings during the next NFL season.
13. Detroit Lions - Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri The Lions biggest need is a tackle. But the only tackle worthy of a top 20 pick was taken one pick higher. The Lions could trade this pick for a high second round or a lower first round to grab another tackle who is worth a lower pick. But we cannot know for sure. So if the Lions stay at thirteen, they boost the defensive line even more with a great pass rusher in Aldon Smith out of the passing-happy conference of the Big 12. Imagine that defensive line if Smith becomes great. Ndamukong Suh and Aldon Smith coming at opposing QB's - that is a scary combination.

14. St. Louis Rams - Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

The Rams are really on their way to being a force in the NFC. But the defensive line is one thing that needs more work. Liuget has a chance to develop to something great, and right now makes the most sense for this pick right now. But the Rams are the biggest up and coming team in the NFL. Just a few more pieces to the puzzle are needed. Liuget can help finish the puzzle.

15. Miami Dolphins - Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

The Dolphins' two running backs, Ronnie Brown and Reggie Williams, will be free agents and may not be back. That is why this pick makes sense. A draft weak in running backs, Ingram is the only one guaranteed a first round selection. The Dolphins are rumored to also be looking to upgrade their pass rush. In a draft full of DE's, this would be easy. But I still think they select Ingram.
If they decide to take a DE or DT, then Ingram will most likely go to the Giants at pick nineteen or to the Packers at 32.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

A lot of people have the Jaguars taking a defensive end at this pick. But Mike Sims-Walker won't be back next year which leaves the wide receiver position very thin. If the Redskins pass on Julio Jones at pick ten, then Jones will for sure fall to the Jags who would be smart to take him. He may not grow into a true number one receiver, but he will be a solid number two and have a long career. A smart pick here and I think this will benefit the Jaguars greatly.
17. New England Patriots (OAK) - Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

Cameron Heyward

Before the college football season started, Cameron Heyward was a top five pick. A disappointing senior season for Ohio State dropped Heyward to round two. But I still think he will be a first round pick after such a dominant performance in the Sugar Bowl win over Arkansas. He is a good pick for New England who will set him up for success in the 3-4 defense.
18. San Diego Chargers - Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

The Chargers also need a young DE for their defense. As do almost all the teams this year it seems. Adrian Clayborn is an underrated player in this draft out of Iowa and I think he will be a solid player in the NFL. But he does seem to have some character issues.

19. New York Giants - Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
The Giants need help at the offensive line. Castonzo is a great tackle with good athletism and good technique. Giants head coach Tom Coughlin has strong ties to Boston College which could help Castonzo end up in New York.

Cameron Jordan

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Cameron Jordan, DE, California

The Buccaneers are a young but good team who need some help rushing the pass. Cameron Jordon is the best pass rusher available at this pick. Makes the most sense.

21. Kansas City Chiefs - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
The Chiefs, like Tampa Bay, surprised many this past season, but still need help. One of those positions is at OLB. Akyers is a great player who is very versatile and has tremendous coverage skills for a linebacker. His pass rushing needs some work though. Still, a good pick here for KC.
22. Indianapolis Colts - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Nate Solder

As we all saw last season, Peyton Manning was batted around and under heavy pressure every game due to a very weak offensive line. The rebuilding starts here, and Solder is the best tackle available. Solder also tore up the combine and his hype is growing.

23. Philadelphia Eagles - Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

The Eagles need help in the secondary and on the offensive line. I say that the secondary is what the Eagles address in the first round. Jimmy Smith is the best corner you can get after pick #15. A good pick here for Philly.
24. New Orleans Saints - Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

New Orleans needs help in the trenches of the defensive line. Shaun Rodgers was brought in, but the 32-year old is not the long term solution. Taylor is. Taylor is a very strong and athletic defensive tackle who will play nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. The Saints have found their long-term answer at DT.

25. Seattle Seahawks - Mike Pouncey, C/OG, Florida

The Seahawks also need help on the offensive line. Just not at the tackle possition like most teams. Pouncey is the best center or guard in this draft, and will most likely be a guard where ever he goes. Brother of rookie standout Maurkice Pouncey in Pittsburgh, Mike Pouncey has great potential. The only reason he is not drafted higher is that no teams really have a demanding need for a guard. The Seahawks are lucky to have him.
26. Baltimore Ravens - Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)

Brandon Harris

Three of the top four Ravens corners are free agents and will need to be re-signed when the new CBA is worked out. A new corner is needed. Harris is the best available and makes the most sense. Regardless, at the start of next season the Ravens will be very young at corner. A veteran free agent would be a good idea for the Ravens to sign when free agents are available.

27. Atlanta Falcons - Justin Houston, OLB/DE, Georgia

John Abraham is getting old, and the Falcons had just 31 sacks last season. Help is needed. Houston is a great pass rusher and will help his home state Falcons get to the quarterback.
28. New England Patriots - Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

While New England's biggest need here is a guard in place of the retired Stephen Neal, I think they will take a tackle instead. There is a good chance that Matt Light will not be back next season, so Carimi is the replacement for him.

29. Chicago Bears - Muhammed Wilkerson, DT, Temple

While Wilkerson may be good, and has his stock on the rise, he is from the small school of Temple. With how deep this draft is at DE and DT, teams may pass on him because they can get a player who went up against much better competition throughout their career. The MAC just isn't the best place to prepare for NFL offensive lines. Still, I think Wilkerson has a good chance to become good in this league, and with Tommie Harris gone, the Bears have found a potential replacement.

30. New York Jets - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

The Jets don't have many holes to fill. One that does need some help is the pass rush after Jason Taylor is gone, as well as first round bust Vernon Gholston. Kerrigan can help the Jets get to the quarterback.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Marcus Cannon, OG, TCU

The Steelers could use some help up front and Cannon is someone who can start from day one. He had an amazing combine and can help the Steelers perfectly.

32. Green Bay Packers - Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

The only position the Packers seriously need to look at is receiver, but this is a weak class at WR with the only two with potential already taken. That is why I think Green Bay will take Ryan Williams, the running back out of Virginia Tech. Ryan Grant has not been a great back, neither has Brandon Jackson; Ryan Williams has potential to be a great back, and the Packers should take him with the last pick in the first round.

There you have it, my mock draft for the 2011 NFL draft in April. As a bonus, here are may predictions for round 2! Thank you for reading and please Follow us on Twitter, and Like us on Facebook! Search "15 Year Old Sports Analysis" Keep checking in for more posts!